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China plans tough emissions rules for cement makers

Feb, 06 2012

(China)  -- China's environment ministry is mulling over the implementation of stricter rules regarding nitrogen oxide emissions from cement plants.

This was announced by Chinese Vice Minister of Environment Protection Zhang Lijun, during a visit to the Anhui Conch Cement Co last month.

China had earlier announced that it plans to cut the cement industry's overall nitrogen oxide emissions, a key cause of acid rain and photochemical smog, by 10 percent by 2015.

This was announced by Chinese vice Minister of Environment Protection Zhang Lijun during a visit to the Anhui Conch Cement Co last month.

A policy change regarding nitrogen oxide emissions could cut out a third of the cement sector’s total net profits.

Kong Xiangzhong, the president of China's cement industry association, said that the ministry is considering tightening nitrogen oxide emission standards to 400 mg per cubic metre from the current 800 mg per cubic metre. This would increase the unit cost of cement by up to 20 yuan.

"It will translate into huge pressure for the cement industry," Kong said.
The net profit for cement makers in southern and eastern Chinese provinces is around 80 yuan, while the profit for cement makers in other Chinese regions is about 50 yuan for each tonne of cement produced.

China is the world's largest cement producer, with some 3,000 plants producing 2 billion tonnes annually.

The Chinese government has announced that it wants to shut down at least a third of the country's cement plants by 2015.

By: Rashmi Kalia (ARI-C NEWS)

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